iLI Events
Language Immersion Training Workshops
Thank you so much for everyone who attended this year’s 2024 ILI Workshops. We are currently working on scheduling, and will be releasing 2025’s workshops this fall.
ILI Language Workshop Series are designed to enhance your language skills through immersive training experiences. Our workshops provide hands-on learning opportunities, equipping you with practical tools and templates for incorporating your language into your daily life.
INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE INSTITUTE SYMPOSIUM (ILIS)
Since 2010, ILI has held the Annual Indigenous Language Symposium every October in New Mexico. ILI invites presenters to share academic research, personal and professional experiences, and success stories that address the challenges and concerns of practitioners and community language workers. The Symposium participants will get new ideas and practical solutions that merit discussion and exploration to advance language revitalization work.
12th annual ILIs 2024 Information
The Indigenous Language Institute Symposium (ILIS) is the flagship event of the Indigenous Language Institute (ILI), dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous languages. This year’s theme, “Instructions for Connecting All Ages to Develop Language Use in Daily Life,” highlights the critical importance of engaging all generations in the practice and transmission of Indigenous languages.
ILIS is a gathering that brings together language practitioners, educators, community leaders, and language enthusiasts from Indigenous communities. The goal of the symposium is to foster intergenerational and intertribal connectedness, creating a collaborative environment where participants can share knowledge, strategies, and experiences to promote language use in daily life.
Date: October 23-25, 2024
Registration is Now Open! Deadline for registration is Friday September 20, 2024
Symposium Features:
- Keynote Speaker: Inspirational talks from renowned language revitalization experts and community leaders.
- Breakout Sessions: Interactive sessions focused on practical strategies for language immersion, teaching techniques, and community engagement.
- Panel Discussions: Engaging conversations on the challenges and successes of language revitalization efforts across different tribes and communities.
- Cultural Night Banquet: Celebrations of Indigenous culture through music, dance, and storytelling.
- Networking Opportunities: Dedicated time for attendees to connect, share resources, and build lasting relationships with fellow language advocates.
EVENT VENUE & HOST HOTEL INFORMATION
Sandia Resort & Casino
30 Rainbow Road
Albuquerque, NM 87113
*Room rates are being finalized for our host hotel. Though reservations can be made now and discounts will be adjusted once finalized and prior to event. There are limited spots available.
Click the “Book Sandia Resort HERE” link to reserve your room. Or call the resort at 877-272-9199 or 505-798-3930. Let them know you are with the Indigenous Language Institute 2024 group”.
ADDITIONAL HOTEL INFORMATION
We have reserved room blocks with additional hotels near by with discounted room rates for the Language Symposium attendees. Please use the link or call to reserve your room. There are many other hotel choices and AirBnB options as well.
Courtyard Albuquerque
5151 Journal Center Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-823-1919 – If you call, please say you are with the “Indigenous Language Institute” to receive a discounted rate.
5817 Signal Ave NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113
505-266-7829 – You will need to call, select option “1” for reservations, and say you are with the “Indigenous Language Institute” to receive discounted rate.
Keynote Speaker
James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw
A descendant of Turtle Mountain, is a renowned international speaker, digital creator, and author.
His keen insights were developed through speaking with and recording elders and native language speakers across North America as part of the Ojibwe Language Dictionary Project.
James is a passionate advocate for sharing how to live a life of ‘mino-bimaadiziwin,’ the good life.
For over twenty years, he has facilitated community language tables, consulted with public and private organizations on language and cultural programs, and traveled internationally as a keynote speaker. He has been featured in numerous publications, podcasts, radio & television programs.
James lives in the Twin Cities, Minnesota with his wife & son.
CULTURAL NIGHT AT ILIS 2024
Join us for an unforgettable evening of laughter, dance, and community celebration at our Cultural Night during the our annual language symposium.
Hosted by renowned actor Wes Studi, a trailblazer for Native American representation in Hollywood, best known for his powerful roles in films such as Dances with Wolves, The Last of the Mohicans, and Avatar. With a career spanning over three decades, Studi has brought depth and authenticity to his portrayals of Indigenous characters, earning him an honorary Academy Award for his contributions to the film industry. Beyond acting, he is a passionate advocate for Native American language revitalization
Performances Include:
- Ricardo Cate – Renowned Comedian and Cartoon Artist, known for his sharp wit and humor that bridges cultural gaps.
- Sky City Buffalo Ram Dance Group – A mesmerizing performance that brings to life the powerful traditions of the Acoma Pueblo.
- Lightning Boy Foundation – Witness the incredible skill and artistry of young dancers in a dynamic hoop dance performance that honors the legacy of the late Lightning Boy.
Agenda:
- 6:00 pm – Doors Open
- 6:30 pm – Dinner
- 7:15 pm – Performances
- 8:45 pm – Closing
Symposium Speakers
Ndigenous language Research
Share your research with a broader Indigenous audience at this year’s Language Symposium. Join fellow student researchers for a unique opportunity to connect with attendees from across the U.S. and Canada!
Participants will receive a discounted rate to attend the full Language Symposium October 23- 25, 2024. Connect with attendees from across the U.S. and Canada!
Join us and make your mark in the field of Indigenous language research.
Deadline to Apply: Friday September 20th
Vendor INFORMATION
Join our Vendor Marketplace at this year’s Language Symposium!
Details about the vending opportunity are on the application. Any questions, please reach out to us at ili@ilinative.org
ILIS 2024 Sponsors
Miigwech (Thank you) to all of this year’s sponsors!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
We have a wide range of sponsorship opportunities to make an impact with this year’s Symposium. Please reach out to Raul Aguilar Jr., at raul.aguilarjr@ilinative.org to find ways to partner and support the language revitalization movement.